Sound levels in a neonatal intensive care unit significantly exceeded recommendations, especially inside incubators.
Acta Paediatr 2017;
106:1909-1914. [PMID:
28477430 DOI:
10.1111/apa.13906]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM
This study measured sound levels in a 2008 built French neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and compared them to the 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations. The ultimate aim was to identify factors that could influence noise levels.
METHODS
The study measured sound in 17 single or double rooms in the NICU. Two dosimeters were installed in each room, one inside and one outside the incubators, and these conducted measurements over a 24-hour period. The noise metrics measured were the equivalent continuous sound level (Leq ), the maximum noise level (Lmax ) and the noise level exceeded for 10% of the measurement period (L10 ).
RESULTS
The mean Leq , L10 and Lmax were 60.4, 62.1 and 89.1 decibels (dBA), which exceeded the recommended levels of 45, 50 and 65 dBA (p < 0.001), respectively. The Leq inside the incubator was significantly higher than in the room (+8 dBA, p < 0.001). None of the newborns' characteristics, the environment or medical care was correlated to an increased noise level, except for a postconceptional age below 32 weeks.
CONCLUSION
The sound levels significantly exceeded the AAP recommendations, particularly inside incubators. A multipronged strategy is required to improve the sound environment and protect the neonates' sensory development.
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